Struggling with Mouse Control and Dimensioning on Mac Laptop – Advice Needed

[DefinedDesign]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m having a really tough time using the Apple Magic Mouse with Chief Architect (X16) on my Mac laptop. Precision is a real struggle—especially when placing or editing dimensions. I often have to zoom in very close, and even then, it’s hard to get the snap points to land where I need them.

 

This morning, I’ve been working on a roofing plan, trying to measure from the front of the house to the back using stud placement, and I just can’t get the dimension to snap to the correct spot.

 

I currently have Object Snaps and Grid Snaps turned on. I tried turning off Grid Snaps, thinking it might help—but unfortunately, it didn’t make any difference.

 

I know using a small laptop screen makes things harder, and I hope to get a larger monitor in the future. I’d also love a better mouse, but I’m not sure what works well with Chief on a Mac without breaking the bank.

 

My questions:

 

• Are there any mouse or system settings (either in macOS or Chief) I could adjust to improve precision?

• Are there any tricks to make dimensioning and snapping work better on a smaller screen?

• Can anyone recommend a good, affordable mouse that works better with Chief on a Mac?

 

 

I’m feeling really frustrated, would be so grateful for any tips or suggestions. Thank you so much for your time and help!

[PitMan71]

To me the Magic Mouse is too laid back for cad work. I use Logitech mouse MX Series mouse and I have always been happy with the precision. In addition, I have used check dell wired mice that I have had good luck with as well. Just thinking about using a MM in Chief stresses me out AND I don't know of any settings that would make the MM a viable option for me. 

[ValleyGuy]

7 hours ago, DefinedDesign said:

Can anyone recommend a good, affordable mouse that works better with Chief on a Mac?

 

I agree, that Apple mouse is really only good for surfing the web or tasks involving little accuracy. I really enjoy using the MX Ergo S Plus roller-ball mouse from Logitech. For $140 CDN ( ... about $1.98 USD lol) it has 6 programable buttons and speed control for the curser. It is cordless, rechargeable, and has a roller wheel for zooming in and out. It's well worth it to invest in a good CAD mouse.

[DefinedDesign]

@PitMan71and @ValleyGuythank you both so much!!! I will investigate and see what I can get the quickest. 
 

Is there a way to mark both your responses as a solution in Chieftalk?

[para-CAD]

I use the MX3, the G604, and hard wired, the G502 HERO.  All Logitech.

 

But I also use a StreamDeck for custom shortcuts with one button ease.....and a 3D Connexion mouse (puck and enterprise) but I can't get them to work well with Chief.........only Sketchup.

 

Someone (Rene) should do a pay per view video on his set up of 3D mice.  $40 for a 1 hour interactive video.  Get 100 people to sign up and he'd put a great show together.